Survey: Young men most likely to give gift of charity

A new survey also reports that a majority of Americans across all age groups donate charitable gifts like the ones found in World Vision’s Gift Catalog — an ideal way to honor friends and loved ones for Christmas.

They’re often tagged as selfish Millennials, significantly more likely to still live with mom and dad and less likely than women to be enrolled in U.S. colleges.

But here’s an unexpected development about this segment of the population: A new holiday giving survey shows that men ages 18-34 are the most likely to have ever given someone a gift in the form of a charitable donation.

Surprised by the generosity of Millennial men

Annually conducted by Harris Interactive as part of the World Vision Gift Catalog campaign, the most recent survey reveals that 56 percent of men ages 18-34 have given a charitable gift, versus 36 percent of older men (ages 35 and above) and 37 percent of their female counterparts in the same age group.

“Based on what we’ve seen at World Vision, young men might be more aptly coined the ‘misunderstood generation,’” says Cheryl DeBruler, World Vision’s Gift Catalog specialist.

“Young adults are a huge force in what we do, whether it’s advocacy, volunteering, or fundraising. Historically they’ve even led some of our campaigns against global issues like AIDS and hunger. They’re a case study of compassion in action.”

These results come as somewhat of a surprise given American adults’ general suppositions about holiday giving: 44 percent of all adults believe older people are more likely to give to charity than younger people. And only 7 percent believe today’s young people are more generous than previous generations.

Every demographic is generous

But young men aren’t the only ones whose giving habits are surprising. The survey also reports that nearly nine in 10 of all U.S. adults (86 percent) say they donate money to charity; and 42 percent say giving to charity makes them feel like a good person, regardless of religious affiliation.

Perhaps most tellingly: Three in five adults (61 percent) think giving to charity is a good teaching tool for children. About 43 percent of parents of children under age 18 say they donate charitable gifts to teach their young ones about generosity.

An ideal time of year for generosity

Maybe you’re a parent who wants to instill positive values in your children. Or perhaps you simply want to honor a friend or loved one who already seems to have everything.

Whatever the case, World Vision’s Gift Catalog offers more than 100 unique ways by which you can bring sustainable help and hope to those in need — while showing a special person in your life that you care.

Through the catalog, you can donate items that change lives for good — from clean water to animals, nutrition to education, and everything in between.

Or, if you make a donation to help where most needed by December 16, you can select a free handcrafted gift to present to a loved one on Christmas morning.

Then, mail, email, or print a free card to let them know you honored them by bringing added joy this holiday season to a child, family, or entire community in need.

This Christmas, the World Vision Gift Catalog gives you an ideal opportunity to join Americans of all ages in practicing generosity and honoring the compassionate spirit of the season.

Give a gift

Browse the World Vision Gift Catalog and select from among more than 100 life-changing items that fight poverty and bring joy to those in need around the world.

Highlights

A recent survey reveals that 56 percent of men ages 18-34 have given a charitable gift, versus 36 percent of older men (ages 35 and above) and 37 percent of their female counterparts in the same age group.

The survey also reports that nearly nine in 10 of all U.S. adults (86 percent) say they donate money to charity.

World Vision’s Gift Catalog offers more than 100 unique ways to practice generosity and bring sustainable help and hope to those in need.